Cox South named a Level I STEMI Center

Posted by Kaitlyn McConnell on May 15, 2018

CoxHealth
is excited to announce that Cox South is now designated as a Level I STEMI
Center by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The medical
center is only one of 23 in Missouri classified under the top-level
designation, and comes in addition to its other Time Critical Diagnosis Level I
designations for stroke and trauma. Additionally, it’s one of eight facilities
in the state of Missouri to achieve a Level I designation in STEMI, stroke, and
trauma.

The
new designation – the highest of four – means that Cox South has a consistently
proven plan and record of dealing with every aspect of ST-segment elevation
myocardial infarction (STEMI), a potentially deadly heart attack.

“We
are thrilled that Cox South has earned this designation, as it reflects the
quality and speed of care we’re able to offer patients,” says Becky Watts,
administrative director of Cardiovascular Services at CoxHealth. “We always
strive to implement the latest techniques and technology, so being classified
as a Level I center is really something we’re excited to celebrate.”

The designation officially recognizes that Cox South performs a minimum number
of cardiac procedures a year, and has both an emergency cardiovascular team and
on-site cardiac surgery available 24/7. It also officially designates Cox
South as a resource center for hospitals within the region that conducts
research, provides education and is a leader in process and quality improvement
initiatives. Additionally, it means that Cox South is equipped to deal with any
STEMI-related complications a patient may encounter.

These are things that are crucial for individuals who suffer a STEMI heart
attack.

“STEMI
heart attack victims require quick assessment, diagnosis and treatment by a
facility that can provide timely, definitive care to minimize risk for
preventable complications and death,” says Watts. “Individuals who receive
treatment within specific time frames after symptoms begin are more likely to
recover and less likely to have permanent disabilities. Getting help and
getting it fast is the key to surviving this major medical emergency. ”

In
addition to Cox South’s designation, Cox Branson has been designated as a Level
II STEMI Center, and Cox Monett as a Level IV.